Trend to try: Metallic French mani

Up the ante with this Cannes-inspired look

Beauty Crew Editor / May 25 2016

While it’s usually the hair and makeup looks seen on the Cannes red carpet that catch our attention, the glossy manicures actually deserve some time in the spotlight. 

Case in point: this glam take on a French manicure, as worn by Indian actress Sonam Kapoor. 

The neutral base is perfectly enhance by the metallic tips, making it a great go-to style when you want something that’s understated with a little twist. 

We spoke to Alison Bowhill-Hayes, Sally Hansen Nail Expert, to ask her how to get the look at home with the shades from the new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Red Carpet Collection.

1

Prep your nails

The start of any good, long-lasting manicure is to prep your nails properly, so file and buff your nails, following with a base coat. Alison suggests Sally Hansen Complete Care 7-in-1 for its ridge-filling benefits.

2

Pick your base colour

You’ll want to pick a soft, neutral colour for your base, so if you prefer a shade that’s a bit more skin-toned, use Complete Salon Manicure in Beige Glass, and if you prefer a cream-colour base, use Complete Salon Manicure in Winter Sky.

 

Apply two coats and let the polish fully dry.

Sally Hansen nude colours

3

Create your tip

When your polish is completely dry and fully set, Alison suggests using a piece of scotch tape or a French manicure nail guard and applying it about 1mm from the tip of your fingernail.

To achieve the metallic edge, use Complete Salon Manicure in Lady T and paint the shade along the nail tip. Allow the polish to dry, then apply a second coat.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Lady T

4

Enhance the shine

When the colour is completely dry and set hard (Alison recommends waiting 20 to 30 minutes), gently peel off your tape, and apply a thick coat of a shiny topcoat, such as Sally Hansen 3D Gel Shine Top Coat.

The topcoat must cover the entire nail plate to completely seal the chic French-style manicure
Alison Bowhill-Hayes
/
Sally Hansen
Nail Expert

Main image credit: Getty

Carli was BEAUTYcrew’s Editor from launch in 2016 until May 2020. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and previously on beautyheaven.